Release of Information Resources

Releasing health information to other healthcare providers and authorized users is a core, yet necessary function when managing health information.  To the untrained eye, disclosing personal health information (PHI) may appear to be a simple task.  However, closer analysis of the process reveals that many laws, regulations, policies and procedures must be addressed to ensure that release of information (ROI) is timely, accurate, complete and confidential.

It is the responsibility of the HIM Professional to effectively and efficiently manage and maintain the overall processes involved in the release of PHI.  For example, one of the many essential processes in managing ROI is identifying the location of the components that define the legal medical record and designated record set to ensure the right information is released.  Additionally, policies and procedures on access, disclosure, and printing need to be created, implemented, reviewed and maintained.  HIM professionals possess the required skill set and expertise needed to ensure that PHI is available to the right people at the right time.